State Reports West Nile Activity in Kane County

A batch of mosquitoes tested near Algonquin on Kane County’s north end as tested positive for West nile virus, according to the Kane County Health Department.

The mosquitoes were collected in a trap administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, according to a release from the Kane County Health Department.

According to the release, the county typically sees its first evidence of West Nile in July or August. So far this year, 17 Illinois counties have seen either birds and/or mosquitoes test positive for the virus.

While the Kane County Health Department monitors for West Nile virus activity in the area, you can check the county’s West Nile surveillance website, where you can view a map of the department’s trap locations throughout the county.

The Kane County Health Department also is collecting dead birds to be sent to the state lab for West Nile virus testing. Residents are urged to call (630) 444-3040 to report the presence of freshly-dead birds (such as crows or bluejays) to determine if West Nile virus testing is recommended. The birds must not show any signs of decay or trauma.

Last year, an especially hot and dry summer, Kane County had 13 human cases of the illness. You can view more detailed monitoring results from previous years by visiting the department’s West Nile virus Web page.

According to the release, mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird pick up the virus, which they transmit when they bite. Most people exposed to West Nile show no symptoms. Some, however, may become ill within three to 14 days of exposure. According to the release, only about two people in 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness.

West Nile illness is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

The Kane County Health Department says the best way to avoid West Nile virus infection — or infection by any other mosquito-borne illness — is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to avoid being bitten. Recommended precautions include:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.

• When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

• Make sure tight-fitting screens are on doors and windows. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.

• Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.

• Change water in birdbaths weekly.

Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Kane County Health Department’s Web site at www.kanehealth.com/west_nile.htm. You can also visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm. People also can call the IDPH West Nile Virus Hotline at (866) 369-9710 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department

Related:

• West Nile Virus Detected in Kane County

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